The New England Free Jacks come off of an integral 2026 season with their annual banquet and award night. The celebration highlights stand-out Free Jacks set to receive awards for their excellence and dedication to the team and franchise both on and off the pitch. From exemplary character to palpable improvement on the pitch, select Free Jacks are recognized for their noteworthy 2026 performances.

Rookie of the Year

Sione Tupou

Sione Tupou has been named Rookie of the Year following his outstanding achievements at Hooker this season. With appearances in every match, Tupou scored six tries — his most notable performance coming in round six against the California Legion, when he crossed for two tries in just the first half during the Free Jacks’ 100th game in Major League Rugby.

Breakthrough Player of the Year

Nate Sylvia

Nate Sylvia was awarded Breakthrough Player of the Year, given to the Free Jack who has proven to be a dynamic, attentive player on the pitch. At Prop, Sylvia clutched one try, an 86 percent success rate in tackles attempted, and 81 tackles made across nine appearances — pitching him as the most improved player of the season.

Forward of the Year

Jacob Norris

Forward of the Year was awarded to Jacob Norris, a powerhouse Flanker who clocked 787 minutes of playing time while appearing in every match this season. With 116 carrying metres, 28 lineouts won, and 194 attempted tackles, Norris proved himself a dominant forward throughout the 2026 season.

Back of the Year

Joel Hodgson

Joel Hodgson absolutely dominated on the pitch this season, earning him Back of the Year. A reliable, sniper of a fly-half, Hodgson appeared in all ten matches, playing 800 minutes with 75 total points, 20 completed conversions, 100 carries, 436 carrying metres, 3,555 kick metres, and 208 passes. A stable and sharp-shooting presence, Hodgson proved integral to the success of the Free Jacks this season.

Player’s Player of the Year

Jacob Norris

Along with Forward of the Year, Norris was awarded Player’s Player of the Year — nominated by his peers for being a constant example of Free Jacks culture, work ethic, and attitude both on and off the pitch. Between his consistent tight performance across all ten matches and his unrelenting enthusiasm among his teammates, Norris was a natural choice for the honor.

Delta Player of the Year

Oscar Lennon

Appearing in all ten matches this season and scoring 25 points at Scrum-Half, Oscar Lennon was named Delta Player of the Year. With 618 passes made, 205 carrying metres, 1,607 kick metres, and 13 retained kicks, Lennon has been pivotal in moving the ball and kickstarting integral scoring plays. His quiet leadership at Scrum-Half established his best season yet. Oscar also received the 1st Regiment Fan’s Player of the Year Award.

Minuteman Award

Ben Lesage

The Minuteman Award is the highest honor of the annual awards, recognizing excellence of character not only on the pitch, but more importantly off it. It is given to the Free Jack who exemplifies innate selflessness, leadership, and pride in fostering their community.

This year’s recipient, Ben Lesage, has been a pillar of that character. Beyond his leadership on the field, Lesage has given back through his work with Operation Sock Drop, food deliveries for veterans, an Inmate Book Club, and coaching Mixed Abilities rugby with the Dorchester Boys and Girls Club. He is exactly the kind of person the Minuteman Award was created to celebrate.

Written by Maeve Fitzgerald

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For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news